Pediatric Auditory Processing Disorders & Treatment

At Physicians Hearing Clinic in Sarasota, Florida, we specialize in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), a complex condition that affects how the brain interprets and processes auditory information. Our experienced audiologists use advanced diagnostic testing and evidence-based treatment approaches to help children overcome the challenges of APD and improve their communication abilities in daily life.

What is Auditory Processing Disorder?

Auditory Processing Disorder, also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), occurs when the brain has difficulty recognizing and interpreting sounds, particularly speech, even though hearing sensitivity is normal. Individuals with APD can hear sounds clearly, but their brain struggles to process and make sense of what they hear, especially in challenging listening environments.

This neurological condition affects approximately 5% of school-aged children and can persist into adulthood. APD is not a problem with the ears themselves but rather with how the auditory centers of the brain process and organize sound information. Children with APD often have normal hearing test results but experience significant difficulties understanding speech, following directions, and distinguishing between similar sounds.

Schedule A Pediatric

APD Consultation

Request a consultation for your child with the team at Physicians Hearing Clinic.

With proper diagnosis, treatment, and support, children with Auditory Processing Disorder can develop effective strategies to manage their listening challenges and achieve success in school and social environments. Many children with APD go on to excel academically and professionally once they understand their condition and learn to use compensatory strategies and appropriate accommodations.

Signs & Symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) In Children

Recognizing the signs of APD is the first step toward getting help. Symptoms can vary widely but commonly include:

It’s important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, or language disorders, which is why a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified audiologist is essential for accurate diagnosis.

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Difficulty following multi-step directions or instructions

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Frequently asking "what?" or requesting repetition

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Trouble understanding speech in noisy environments like classrooms or cafeterias

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Problems with reading, spelling, and phonics

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Difficulty distinguishing between similar-sounding words (such as "cat" and "cap")

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Challenges with memory and recall of auditory information

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Easily distracted by background noises

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Poor listening skills and short attention span

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Academic difficulties despite normal intelligence

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Delayed responses to verbal questions

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Better performance with visual information than auditory information

Comprehensive APD Evaluation in Sarasota

At Physicians Hearing Clinic, our auditory processing disorder evaluation is thorough and tailored to each patient’s age and needs.

The evaluation process typically takes several hours and can be completed over multiple appointments. Our goal is to identify specific auditory processing deficits and their impact on communication, learning, and quality of life. The diagnostic process typically includes:

Standard Hearing Testing/Assessment

We begin with a complete hearing evaluation to rule out any peripheral hearing loss and ensure that hearing sensitivity is within normal limits.

Auditory Processing Testing

We administer a battery of specialized tests designed to assess different aspects of auditory processing, including:

Speech-in-noise testing to evaluate understanding in competing acoustic environments
Dichotic listening tests that present different information to each ear simultaneously
Temporal processing tests that assess the ability to detect timing differences in sounds
Auditory discrimination tests to evaluate the ability to distinguish between similar sounds
Binaural integration and separation tasks
Auditory memory and sequencing assessments

Case History & Questionnaires

We gather detailed information about listening difficulties in various environments, academic performance, medical history, and developmental milestones.

Educational & Medical Coordination

When appropriate, we work collaboratively with teachers, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and physicians to gather comprehensive information and provide coordinated care.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options for APD

Treatment for Auditory Processing Disorder is highly individualized based on the specific deficits identified during evaluation. At Physicians Hearing Clinic, we offer comprehensive treatment approaches that may include:

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Auditory Training Programs

Specialized computer-based or clinician-directed exercises designed to improve specific auditory processing skills. These programs target areas such as auditory discrimination, temporal processing, sound localization, and speech-in-noise understanding. Training is typically conducted over several weeks or months with consistent practice.

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Environmental Modifications

We provide recommendations for optimizing listening environments at home, school, or work. This may include preferential seating in classrooms, reducing background noise, improving acoustics, and using visual supports alongside auditory information.

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Compensatory Strategies

We teach practical communication strategies to help individuals with APD succeed in challenging listening situations. These may include requesting repetition, asking for written instructions, using active listening techniques, and advocating for their listening needs.

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Assistive Listening Devices

Technology such as FM systems or remote microphone hearing aids can significantly improve speech understanding in noisy environments by transmitting the speaker’s voice directly to the listener’s ears while reducing background noise.

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Educational Support

For children with APD, we work with schools to develop appropriate accommodations through 504 plans or IEPs, which may include extended time on tests, preferential seating, quiet testing environments, and access to notes or written materials.

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Speech-Language Therapy

Many individuals with APD benefit from concurrent speech-language therapy to address language processing, reading, and phonological awareness skills.

Why Treat Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?

The Impact of Early Intervention

Early identification and treatment of Auditory Processing Disorder can make a significant difference in a child’s academic success, social development, and self-esteem. Children who receive appropriate intervention often show improvements in reading, spelling, listening comprehension, and classroom performance. They develop better communication skills and increased confidence in social situations.

Living Successfully with APD

With proper diagnosis, treatment, and support, children with Auditory Processing Disorder can develop effective strategies to manage their listening challenges and achieve success in school, work, and social environments. Many people with APD go on to excel academically and professionally once they understand their condition and learn to use compensatory strategies and appropriate accommodations.

Why Choose Physicians Hearing Clinic for APD Treatment?

Our Sarasota audiology practice offers several advantages for parents seeking auditory processing disorder evaluation and treatment for their children:

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Specialized Expertise

Our audiologists have advanced training and extensive experience in assessing and treating auditory processing disorders in both children and adults.

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Comprehensive Care

We provide complete diagnostic services, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support throughout the treatment process.

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Collaborative Approach

We work closely with families, educators, speech-language pathologists, and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated, effective care.

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Advanced Technology

Our clinic utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and evidence-based treatment tools to provide the most accurate assessments and effective interventions.

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Personalized Treatment Plans

We recognize that every individual with APD is unique, and we tailor our treatment approaches to address specific deficits and meet individual goals.

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Local, Small Business

Serving Sarasota and the surrounding communities, we provide accessible, high-quality care close to home.

As the saying goes, “the sooner, the better”. The sooner you take action, the sooner they can reconnect with the world and enjoy clearer communication. Early intervention leads to the best possible outcomes.

Schedule Your Child’s APD Evaluation Now

If your child is experiencing difficulties with auditory processing, understanding speech in noise, or following verbal instructions, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive evaluation at Physicians Hearing Clinic. Our experienced audiologists will conduct thorough testing, provide clear explanations of results, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your child’s specific needs.

Don’t let auditory processing challenges continue to impact academic performance or quality of life.

Contact Physicians Hearing Clinic in Sarasota today to schedule an auditory processing disorder evaluation and take the first step toward improved listening and communication abilities.